Playset with Dynamic Transfer

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed toward an interactive playset with a slide/ramp including an entrance area at the top of the slide and an exit area at the bottom of the slide. The playset further includes a dynamic transfer system that transfers the accessory from the slide exit back to the slide entrance. The dynamic transfer system includes a plurality of stepped platforms, each platform having a piston that is selectively engaged to drive the accessory from a lower platform to an upper platform.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/533,460, entitled “Playset with Dynamic Transfer”, filed Sep. 12, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a toy building playset and, in particular, to a playset including a plurality of launching members operable to transfer an accessory from one area or the playset to another area of the playset.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Children enjoy interactive playsets. Conventional playsets include play patterns that do not circulate a toy accessory throughout the playset. In addition, conventional playsets lack a stepped transfer system in which an accessory is driven vertically within the playset over a series of stepped platforms. Thus, it would be desirable to provide a playset that includes a dynamic transfer system that moves a playset accessory from one area of the playset to another area of the playset, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of children playing with the playset.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward a playset and one or more accessories. The playset includes a slide or ramp including an entrance area at the top of the slide and an exit area at the bottom of the slide. The playset further includes a dynamic transfer system that transfers the accessory from the slide exit back to the slide entrance. The dynamic transfer system includes a plurality of stepped platforms, each platform having a piston that is selectively engaged to drive the toy from a lower platform to an upper platform. In operation, the accessory begins at the top of the slide. The accessory travels down to slide until it reaches the exit area, where it is loaded onto the transfer system. Beginning at the lowermost platform, the accessory is successively propelled from platform to platform until it again reaches the slide entrance area. The process continues, with the accessory traveling down the slide and being transferred back up to the slide entrance by the dynamic transfer system.

The accessory may further include an eccentric weight that moves freely within the body of the accessory. Consequently, the accessory may flip end over end as it travels down the slide.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a front perspective view of a playset in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of the playset shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 illustrates a close-up view of the dynamic transfer system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial side view of a piston member of the dynamic transfer system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the piston being shown in isolation.

FIG. 4A illustrates a bottom view of the playset of FIG. 1A, showing the drive assembly of the dynamic transfer system.

FIG. 4B illustrates a close-up of the drive assembly shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A illustrates a rear exploded view of a playset receptacle in cross section, along with piston member.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a rear cross-sectional view of a receptacle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, showing the operation of a piston of the dynamic transfer system, and further showing the retraction of the piston into a loaded position.

FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate the transfer of a toy accessory from one area of the playset to another area of the playset via the dynamic transfer system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of an accessory figure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the accessory shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9 illustrates a front perspective view of a playset in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.

Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1B, the interactive playset 10 according to the present invention includes a base 105 and one or more accessory figures 110 (also called play components). The base 105 defines a play surface 120 that receives the accessory figures 110. The base 105 includes a support or bottom wall 125A, a first side 125B wall, a second side wall 125C, a forward wall 125D, and a rearward wall 125E. The walls 125A-125E may cooperate to define an internal cavity that houses mechanical and electrical features of the device. The play surface 120 may be inclined in one or more directions. In the illustrated embodiment, the play surface 120 slopes upward from the first side wall 125B in the direction of the second side wall 125C, as well as slopes upward from the forward wall 125D in the direction of the rearward wall 125E.

In an embodiment, the playset 10 may include various interactive features attractive to a child such as a rattle spinner 117 and a motorized Ferris wheel 130 having one or more cups 135 operable to receive an accessory figure 110. The playset 10 may further include electronic sensory output such as light and sounds controlled by a microcontroller.

The play surface 120 further includes a portion including a slide or chute 140 and a portion including a dynamic transfer system 145. The slide 140 defines a travel path that directs an accessory figure 110 from a higher elevation on the play surface 120 to a lower elevation on the play surface. The slide 140 includes travel surface 150 bordered by a lateral walls 155 extending upward from opposite lateral sides of the travel surface. The slide 140 may be generally U-shaped, including a slide apex or entrance area 160, a median pathway area 165, and a slide nadir or exit area 170. The slide 140 may further include one or more protrusions 175 extending from the travel surface 120 and disposed at predetermined slide locations. The protrusions 175 encourage flipping of an accessory figure 110 as it travels down the slide 140 (discussed in greater detail below), as well as control the speed of descent of the accessory figure (i.e., it slows the accessory figure down).

The dynamic transfer system 145 is operable to transfer an accessory figure 110 from the slide exit area 170 to the slide entrance area 160. Referring to embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the dynamic transfer system 145 includes a first or lowermost area or platform 205A oriented proximate the exit area 170 of the slide 140, a second or intermediate area or platform 205B oriented above the first platform 205A, and a third or uppermost area or platform 205C oriented above the second platform 205B and below the slide entrance area 160. Each platform 205A, 205B, 205C may be generally concave, including a central opening 210 and a piston receptacle 430 (FIG. 4B). Each platform 205A, 205B, 205C may further include a side wall 212 extending upward from the surface of the platform and disposed at selected locations. As noted above, the platforms 205A, 205B, 205C are stepped, with the second platform 205B being disposed at a higher vertical height than the first platform 205A, and the third platform 205C being disposed at a higher vertical height than each of the first 205A and second 205B platforms.

Each platform 205A, 205B, 205C, moreover, includes a piston or striking member operable to propel an accessory figure 110 upward to an adjacent platform. Specifically, the first platform 205A includes a first piston 215A, the second platform includes a second piston 215B, and the third platform 205C includes a third piston 215C. Referring to FIG. 3, each piston 215A, 215B, 215C may be in the form of a cylinder or disk having top or contact surface 305 and a side wall 310 extending downward from the top surface 305. The contact surface 305 is angled to control the positioning of the accessory figure 110, as well as direct the projection of the figure 110. By way of specific example, the contact surface 305 of each piston 215A, 215B, 215C may slope downward in the direction of the base rearward wall 125E. Extending downward from the terminal end of the piston side wall 310 is a pair of tabs 315A, 315B (only one tab is visible in FIG. 3) disposed at diametrically opposed locations along piston side wall 310. The location of the tabs 315A, 315B is not particularly limited—the tabs 315A, 315B may be disposed at any suitable locations. Each tab 315A, 315B includes a radially extending rib 320 that captures the piston to the housing by engaging the shoulder of a window formed into platform receptacle 430 (discussed in greater detailed below).

The pistons 215A, 215B, 215C are in communication with a drive or recoil assembly configured to successively retract the pistons into the platform (against the biasing force of a biasing member), and then release the piston such that the biasing member drives the piston upward at a velocity sufficient to propel an accessory figure 110. Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the drive assembly includes a motor 405 that drives a gear 410 in communication with a camshaft 415 oriented on a yoke or bearing. The motor 405 may be driven by a power source such as a battery pack housed in battery bay 420. The camshaft 415 includes a cylindrical shaft with a plurality of lobes or cams 425A, 425B, 425C protruding radially therefrom. The cams 425A, 425B, 425C are spaced axially along the camshaft 415 such that each cam generally aligns with an associated piston 215A, 215B, 215C. The cams 425A, 425B, 425C, moreover, are positioned at different angular positions around the perimeter of the camshaft 415. With this configuration, the cams 425A, 425B, 425C separately engage its corresponding piston 215A, 215B, 215C at a different time interval.

As best seen in FIGS. 4B and 5, each piston 215A, 215B, 215C is positioned within a receptacle 430 suspended below the platform 205A, 205B, 205C and aligned with platform opening 210. Each receptacle 430 includes first 435A and second 435B diametrically lateral opposed cut-out areas or windows. Each window 435A, 435B receives a corresponding piston tab 315A, 315B. The rib 320 of the tab 315A, 315B is positioned within the window 435A, 435B such that the tab engages the upper ledge of the window 435A, 435B, preventing the outward axial movement of the piston beyond the window. In addition, each receptacle 430 includes a central aperture 440 that permits the passage of the catch mechanism coupled to the piston 215A, 215B, 215C therethrough (discussed in greater detail below). With this configuration, the axial (upward/downward) movement of the piston 215A, 215B, 215C is permitted, with the upper window ledge acting as a stop that prevents removal of the piston, as well as preventing projection of the piston from the receptacle 430 beyond a predetermined extension length value.

A biasing member 500 disposed within the receptacle 430 biases the piston 215A, 215B, 215C in a normal position; moreover, a catch member connected to the piston is selectively engaged by the cams 425A, 425B, 425C to overcome the biasing force of the biasing member and drive the piston from a first, normal position, to a second, loaded position. Referring to FIG. 5, a biasing member 500 such as a spring is seated within the piston receptacle 430 to biases the piston 215A in a normal, upward position. The piston 215A includes a catch member 505 suspended from the piston 215A and configured to extend along the center of the biasing member, and through the central aperture 440 of the piston receptacle 430. The catch member 505 includes a first finger 510 and an opposed second finger 515. The second finger 515 includes a hooked portion 520 extending radially inward (toward the first finger 510). The hooked portion 520 defines a shoulder 525 operable to engage the cam 425A on camshaft 415 (discussed in greater detail below). While first piston 215A is illustrated, it should be understood that second piston 215B and third piston 215C are similarly structured.

The operation of the transfer mechanism 145 is explained with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B. The piston 215A begins in its normal position in which it is biased upward by the biasing member 500. In this position, tab 320 contacts the upper ledge of the window 435A, 435B, and the camshaft 415 is oriented between the first 510 and second 515 fingers of the catch member 505. The motor 405 is engaged, causing the camshaft 415 to be rotated by the gear 410. As the camshaft 415 rotates, the cam 425A travels toward the hooked portion 520 of the second finger 515, engaging the shoulder 525 of the hooked portion. The cam 425A continues to rotate, driving the piston 215A downward (indicated by arrow F), against the bias of the biasing member 500 from the first, normal position (FIG. 6A), to a second, loaded position (FIG. 6B). The camshaft 415 continues to rotate the cam 425A until the cam clears the hook portion 520, releasing the piston 215A. The biasing force of the biasing member 500 drives the piston 215A upward, providing the piston with velocity sufficient to propel an accessory figure 110 positioned on its contact surface 305 upward and toward the next higher platform. This process continues similarly with the remaining pistons 215B, 215C, with each piston being successive engaged by a corresponding cam 425B, 425C on the camshaft 415.

With this configuration, an accessory figure 110 may be propelled from a lower platform to an upper platform and, in particular, may be transferred from the slide exit area 170 to the slide entrance area 160. Referring to FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D, an accessory figure 110A enters the first platform 205A via the slide exit area 170. The concave surface of the platform 205A directs the accessory to the contact surface 305 of the piston 215A. The piston 215A is loaded and released as described above, launching the accessory figure 110 from the first platform 205A (FIG. 7A) to the second platform 205B (FIG. 7B). Similarly, the second piston 215B propels the accessory figure 110 from the second platform 205B to third platform 205C (FIG. 7C), while the third piston 215C propels the accessory figure from the third platform 205C to the entrance area 160 of the slide 140 (FIG. 7D). Once positioned at the slide entrance area 160, the accessory figure 110 travels down the slide 140, back to slide exit area 170, and the process repeats.

The accessory figures 110, moreover, may be eccentrically weighted to stabilize the figure during the transfer process, as well as to provide a somersault motion to the figure while traveling along inclined surfaces. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the accessory figure 110 includes a body 805 having a first rounded portion 810 and a second rounded portion 815 connected along a neckline 820. The body 805 may be formed of generally rigid material, e.g., plastic. The body 805 includes axial channel 820 extending from the first rounded portion 810 to the second rounded portion 815 (i.e., the channel may be an axial channel extending lengthwise along the axis of the body 805). By way of specific example, the channel 820 may be generally cylindrical. A weight 825 is disposed within the channel 820. By way of example, the weight 825 may be in the form of a solid spherical object such as a metal ball. The weight 825 is configured to move within the channel, i.e., the weight 825 rolls back and forth within the channel 820 via gravity, moving along the axis of the body.

With this configuration, the accessory figure 110 is capable of tumbling down an inclined surface such as that defined by the slide 140. In operation, the accessory figure 110 is placed on the entry area 160 of the slide 140 (either by the user or the transfer mechanism 145). Gravity causes the weight 825 to roll along the channel 820 toward the channel's lowest part. As the weight 825 contacts the end of the channel 820, the body portion 810 not housing the weight rotates upward, falling forward down the incline, causing the weight to again roll within the channel 820. This process continues, with the accessory figure 110 flipping end over end, performing somersaults as the accessory figure 110 travels down the slide 140.

FIG. 9 illustrates a playset in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. As shown, this embodiment is similar to the embodiment described above, but further includes a spiral slide 905 including an entrance area 910 and an exit area 915 directing the accessory figure 110 onto the slide 140 of the base 105. The spiral slide 905 may also include one or more integral steps 920 formed therein to encourage tumbling of the accessory figure 110. In operation, a user places an accessory figure 110 on the spiral slide 905. The accessory figure 110 travels down the spiral slide 905 until it reaches the base slide 140, where the accessory figure 110 is again directed to the first platform 205A.

While the present invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. For example, the playset 10 may be configured to generate electronic sensory output such as lights and sound (music, sound effects, etc.). Additionally, the accessory figure 110 could comprise a ball, a block or a vehicle, as opposed to the eccentrically-weighted figure shown in the drawings. The degree of slope of the base slide 140 is not particularly limited. By way of example, the slide 140 may possess a slope of about 10°. Similarly, the transfer system 145 (i.e., the platforms) may possess any slope value suitable for its intended purpose. By way of example, the transfer system 145 may possess a slope of about 5°. The slope of the spiral slide 905 may have any slope value suitable for its intended purpose. By way of example, the spiral slide may possess a slope of about 10°.

Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventions and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. In addition, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims.

It is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., merely identify one of a number of portions, components and/or points of reference as disclosed herein, and do not limit the present invention to any particular configuration or orientation. 

1. An interactive playset comprising: an accessory figure; and a base including: a play surface having a first area and a second area, the first area being disposed at a lower height than the second area, a dynamic transfer system operable to propel the accessory figure from the first area to the second area.
 2. The interactive playset of claim 1, wherein the dynamic transfer system comprises a biasing member and a piston driven by the biasing member from a loaded piston position to an expelled piston position.
 3. The interactive playset of claim 1, wherein: the base includes: a first platform area including a first piston, the first platform area being disposed at a first vertical height, a second platform area including a second piston, the second platform area being disposed at a second vertical height, the second vertical height being greater than the first vertical height, and a third platform area including a third piston, the third platform area being disposed at a third vertical height, the third vertical height being greater than each of the first and second vertical heights; the first piston is configured to engage the accessory figure to drive the accessory figure from the first platform area to the second platform area; and the second piston is configured to engage the accessory figure to drive the accessory figure from the second platform area to the third platform area.
 4. The interactive playset of claim 3, wherein the playset further includes a slide having a slide entrance area and a slide exit area.
 5. The interactive playset of claim 4, wherein the accessory figure is configured for rolling movement down the slide.
 6. The interactive playset of claim 5, wherein the accessory figure rolls down the slide by flipping end over end as it rolls.
 7. The interactive playset of claim 4, wherein the third piston is configured to engage the accessory figure to drive the accessory figure from the third platform area to the slide entrance area.
 8. The interactive playset of claim 1, further comprising: a platform including a receptacle suspended from the platform; a biasing member and a piston member disposed within the receptacle; a catch member suspended from the piston member, wherein the catch member is engaged to axially drive the piston member axially within the receptacle.
 9. The interactive playset of claim 8 further including a drive mechanism in communication with the piston, the drive mechanism including: a motor; a camshaft driven by the motor; and a cam extending radially from the camshaft, wherein the cam engages the catch member to drive the piston member axially within the receptacle.
 10. An interactive playset comprising: a base including: a play surface having a first area and a second area, the first area being disposed at a lower height than the second area; a ramp extending between the second area and the first area, the ramp configured to receive an accessory figure thereon; and a dynamic transfer system operable to propel the accessory figure from the first area to the second area.
 11. The interactive playset of claim 10, wherein they dynamic transfer system comprises a piston driven by a transfer mechanism from a loaded piston position to an expelled piston position.
 12. The interactive playset of claim 11, wherein the transfer mechanism comprises a biasing member which drives the piston from the loaded piston position to the expelled piston position.
 13. The interactive playset of claim 10, wherein: the base includes: a first platform area including a first piston, the first platform area being disposed at a first vertical height, a second platform area including a second piston, the second platform area being disposed at a second vertical height, the second vertical height being greater than the first vertical height, and a third platform area including a third piston, the third platform area being disposed at a third vertical height, the third vertical height being greater than each of the first and second vertical heights; the first piston is configured to engage the accessory figure to drive the accessory figure from the first platform area to the second platform area; and the second piston is configured to engage the accessory figure to drive the accessory figure from the second platform area to the third platform area.
 14. The interactive playset of claim 13, wherein the ramp further includes a ramp entrance area and a ramp exit area.
 15. The interactive playset of claim 14, wherein the accessory figure is configured for rolling movement down the ramp.
 16. The interactive playset of claim 15, wherein the accessory figure rolls down the ramp by flipping end over end as it rolls.
 17. The interactive playset of claim 14, wherein the third piston is configured to engage the accessory figure to drive the accessory figure from the third platform area to the ramp entrance area.
 18. The interactive playset of claim 10, further comprising: a platform including a receptacle; a biasing member and a piston member disposed within the receptacle; a catch member coupled to the piston member, wherein the catch member is engaged to axially drive the piston member axially within the receptacle.
 19. The interactive playset of claim 18 further including a drive mechanism in communication with the piston member, the drive mechanism including: a motor; a camshaft driven by the motor; and a cam extending radially from the camshaft, wherein the cam engages the catch member to drive the piston member axially within the receptacle. 